3200+ Free NPTEL Courses By IITs, IISc, Others–For All Streams

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In an ever-evolving job market, simply having a degree isn’t enough—employers now demand proof of ongoing learning and practical skills. That’s where NPTEL shines. A government-backed initiative by IITs and IISc, NPTEL provides a massive library of 900+ free online courses across engineering, sciences, management, humanities, agriculture, and more.

What’s even better? You can learn at your own pace at no cost, with the option to register for a ₹1000 proctored exam and earn a certificate from prestigious IITs—an investment that can make your resume stand out. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or simply someone hungry to upskill, this is an opportunity to boost your employability—and it’s just a click away.

What is NPTEL?

NPTEL, short for National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning, is a pioneering e-learning initiative launched in 2003 by the seven IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, Guwahati, Roorkee) and IISc Bangalore, under the Ministry of Education. 

It’s now recognized as the world’s largest online repository for engineering, basic sciences, and selected humanities and management courses, featuring over 54,000+ hours of educational video content with multilingual support.

Why Learn with NPTEL?

1. Premium content—totally free:
   Self-paced courses with no enrollment fees. You only pay ₹1,000 if you opt to take the proctored certification exam.
2. Learn from top-tier faculty:
   Lectures and course materials are prepared by distinguished professors from IITs and IISc.
3. Flexible, interactive format:
   Courses are delivered over 4–12 weeks, combining pre-recorded videos, lecture notes, weekly quizzes, assignments, and active discussion forums supported by TAs and faculty.
4. Formal certification from IITs/IISc:
   Clear the proctored exam, and you’ll receive an e-verifiable certificate endorsed by top institutes. It is valuable for job applications and academic credit transfer under UGC and AICTE guidelines.

1. Computer Science & Engineering Courses at NPTEL

2. Mechanical Engineering Courses at NPTEL

3. Electrical & Electronics Engineering Courses at NPTEL

4. Civil Engineering Courses at NPTEL

5. Management Courses at NPTEL

6. Biotechnology & Bioengineering Courses at NPTEL

7. Humanities & Social Sciences Courses at NPTEL

8. Law Courses at NPTEL

9. Economics Courses at NPTEL

10. Architecture Courses at NPTEL

11. Aerospace Engineering Courses at NPTEL

12. Environmental Engineering / Multidisciplinary Courses at NPTEL

There are multidisciplinary courses covering sustainability, water–air–soil systems, remediation methods, and sanitation policy, equipping learners with skills for green-tech roles and environmental planning.

13. General & Cross‑Disciplinary Courses at NPTEL

This is just a snapshot of NPTEL’s vast offerings. From niche topics like Cultural Landscapes to domain-specific pathways like Artificial Intelligence, there are 3,200+ unique self-study courses spanning 23 disciplines.

Visit the full course catalog on the Official NPTEL Website

How to Register & Take NPTEL Courses

1. Visit the SWAYAM portal and register by creating an account.
2. Filter for NPTEL under the “All Courses” section, or view the catalog on the NPTEL website.
3. Click JOIN on your chosen course and get started.
4. If you aim to get a certification, then submit weekly assignments to stay engaged and meet certification criteria (≥ 40% average).
5. Register for the proctored exam and pay INR 1,000 per course to get a certification. Alternatively, you can simply browse the course and learn all they have to offer for free without a certification.

Note: Enrollment is free, but the timelines differ for every course. Stay on top of deadlines—they’re non-negotiable.

Conclusion

NPTEL is more than just a learning platform—it’s a gateway to career transformation. With free access to world‑class courses and official certificates at a nominal fee, it's a fantastic resource for students, professionals, and lifelong learners alike.

Ready to take the next step? Get started now!

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